Carrboro's Green Infrastructure

"Green infrastructure" refers to the living landscape of vegetation, soils, and natural processes that create healthier urban environments in contrast to the historically emphasized "grey infrastructure" . At the scale of a city or county, green infrastructure refers to the patchwork of natural areas that provides biodiversity, habitat, flood protection, cleaner air and water, and natural areas for people to enjoy. At the scale of a neighborhood or site, green infrastructure typically refers to the systems that mimic nature by soaking up and storing water and minimizing urban impacts such as the "heat island" effect and air pollution. Examples of features that create and enhance green infrastructure include green streets, roofs, walls, and parking lots; rain gardens, wetlands, and bioswales; rainwater harvesting and reuse; impervious surface disconnection and permeable pavement; new plantings/landscaping; and soil quality improvements. Any change that involves improving soil, better management of stormwater, and creating habitat and increasing biodiversity contributes to Carrboro's green infrastructure.

FROM CARRBORO VISION 2020

2.23 The Town encourages the planting of native plant species, as well as non-native species that are not invasive. Removal of invasive species is encouraged. The Town supports education on this topic and encourages the public to become aware of the list of invasive plant species found in Appendix E-17 of the Town of Carrboro Land Use Ordinance.2.43 Carrboro should plan and encourage the growth of tree canopies over roads to mitigate the heat and smog effect caused by superheated pavement. Carrboro should strongly encourage the electric utilities to put their lines underground to allow for full canopy coverage.